The finished pool caught the first night light and the water itself called us by name.
I stopped at the edge with Julian’s arm still around my waist. “You hear that?”
“Yeah,” he said. “Soft but clear. Center needed at the water.”
Neri rose from where she had been checking the depth. “It is ready. Cool and quiet like we planned. But the ground under it just spoke. Wants the center in the water tonight.”
Kael walked up from the fire side, torch in hand. “Deeper heat is calm but the air over the pool is thick. We stay close if you go in.”
Talia and Daren joined with a few others. Talia said, “Kids are already asleep in the quiet grove. Extra watchers set. We can stay or give you space.”
Julian looked at me. “Your call. We answer or we wait.”
“We answer,” I said. “Clear and open. Anyone
